JANUARY/FEBRUARY saw us involved with 17 Rough Collies of various ages from a breeding and show kennels in the Midlands area of the country, when their owner was rushed into hospital in a critical condition. Although these dogs did not come into rescue, we were on the alert and ready to act if needed. They were looked after in their own home for over a week by members of Collie Rescue and volunteers in residence. Their owner recovered and all dogs were left in her care.

MARCH/APRIL has seen more collies come into rescue, most fortunately have been successfully re-homed, although we are still looking for loving homes for four males ..... see "Fostering/Adoption" for further details.Sadly, we have also lost some of our collies over the last few months .... see "Rainbow Bridge". It is always a very sad time when we hear of collies dying, we know it is expected with the older dogs, but two that have gone recently were more "middle aged" than elderly, and this makes it even more sad. I always say that everything happens for a reason, and yes, one couple who lost their dog took another one virtually straight away and we have now gained a much needed resource when the space left was offered as a temporary foster home, where any dog who needs medical treatment, would not suit a kennel environment or needs assessment and training in the basics can go temporarily, until re-homed, with one of our more experienced owners. Fund-raising is a vital part of our work. We ran a raffle, raising vital funds, through our Facebook Page - Rough and Smooth Rescue UK. One of our members, an animal artist, offered to do a painting of some of our rescue dogs - 20 in all !! - and we raffled this off via the internet. Although this was hard work for the organisers, it went very well, (although I don't think we would do it again !!)Our next big fund-raising event will take place in June - an 8.5 mile walk around Carsington Water with our dogs (only the fit ones !!) - see Facebook for more details. Look out for my May blog.

MAY saw us still busy rescuing and re-homing collies, some again from abroad.There has also been some worry surrounding a couple of rescued collies, but veterinary treatment for both has seen good results and great relief for their owners.

Tyler arrived here on Valentines Day & was subsequently named Tyler Valentine.

As soon as her feet touched the kitchen floor it was obvious her blindness did not bother her, or slow her down. There was no bumping into furniture like Buddy had when he arrived. We had been told Tyler was house trained. Oh yeah! I was so glad it was Steve who had insisted I telephone Sam to say Tyler could come to live here. Little parcels and puddles began to appear everywhere. Carpets were covered in newspapers. and Tyler soon let us know which newspapers she preferred! Regular trips out on to the lawn were organised, the trouble was Tyler preferred to run about on the lawn like a lunatic than do what she was supposed to be doing! The trips outside became more frequent, often with Buddy for company. Buddy had accepted Tyler's arrival with a disgruntled look on his face but despite Tyler playfully attacking him, he never growled or snapped at her. Tyler soon learned the words "Tyler, NO!"

A huge crate was installed in the kitchen for Tyler to sleep in, but she soon let us know she did not like this arrangement. Sleepless nights became the norm, as did trips outside at 2 am, 3 am,4 am! However, after 6 days, Tyler was getting the message of what these visits to the lawn were supposed to be for.

Our living room began to look as if it had been bombed, her favourite game is to bring anything she can find out of the kitchen in to the living room! Tammy the cat soon put Tyler in her place, and anything that moved, or didn't move, was fair game to Tyler! Feeding time became a relay, Tyler in the crate, feed the cat and Tyler and Buddy's food was put down at night while Tyler was in the crate.

A week after Tyler arrived, an appointment at the vets was arranged to check Tyler and to register her. The vet weighed her and said she was almost 9.8 kilo. He suggested a referral to an Opthalmic Specialist as her paperwork stated she had suspected CEA and an appointment has been arranged for 6th March. If she is blind, it certainly doesn't stop her trying to lead a normal life.

We compare Buddy who had sight when he was born, to Tyler who has never had sight. Within 24 hrs Tyler was climbing the kitchen step which took Buddy over 2 weeks to master. Tyler, Buddy & Tammy are now the best of friends, Tyler just needs the occasional reminder from them that they will not tolerate being pounced on! Tyler's zest for life is unbelievable and very tiring, but we love her to bits. Pauline Bradbury

Meet Smudge..........Smudge was rescued safely on Friday 13th December and taken directly to a vet before going to a temporary home over the Christmas and New Year period where all his problems were addressed. He will not be released from this home until he is 100% fit and healthy. He was in very poor condition .... badly infected eyes, appalling teeth (which will need an operation as soon as possible) and a terrible skin condition. He is also suffering from arthritis in multiple joints. He was given antibiotics for his eyes, skin scrapings were taken to check for fleas and mites, a blood test done for liver and kidney function as well as thyroid ... these results should be back this week and if stable enough then we can progress with sorting his teeth out ... and also anti-inflammatory / pain killers for the arthritis.........Annette Rebmann, Rough and Smooth Collie Rescue UK

Update 21st December......Smudge got home around half 5pm last night from the vets, feeling very sorry for himself. As expected he is very disorientated, grumpy, sleepy (but won't give in) but he will be fine. Vet said his teeth were terrible, clogged with loads of tarter and very sore for him but now he has pearly white teeth and only lost one little front bottom one, his nails are cut, ears/eyes cleaned (he has conjunctivitis but eye drops will soon sort that) he has had complete belly and bum shave (bless him) and his Arthritis drugs have been sorted...so now it's onwards and upwards, after couple of days rest he will get his first bath in 7 years to sort out his sore/bad skin problem and a damn good groom. We say from the bottom of our hearts thank you for all your lovely comments and concerns and Iwill keep you updated and after his wash and brush up I will take some photos. Thank you all who have donated to his care and those I have not thanked personally ......sorry! and I will get round to it. you have all been amazing, the biggest thank you go's to Rough and Smooth Collie Rescue, especially Sam and Annette, Smudge sends you all huge kisses. He will also now be known as 'Fudge', and will be staying in his present foster home here with us......Sheila Payne xxx